RiverViews Newsletter October 2017

E-NEWSLETTER

You deserve the best

TM

RIVERVIEWS The Uniworld River Heritage Club

U BY UNIWORLD pg 3

POPULAR SPRING VOYAGES pg 7 FROM THE KITCHEN OF BEA TOLLMAN pg 13

October 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

1 2 3 5

U BY UNIWORLD

7 9 11

Q&A WITH UNIWORLD HOTEL MANAGER, ASTRID

WHAT’S NEW WITH UNIWORLD IN 2018

13

FROM THE KITCHEN OF BEA TOLLMAN

, ELLEN S 360 UNIQUELY UNIWORLD

POPULAR SPRING VOYAGES GUEST SPOTLIGHT

#ExploreUniworld

October 2017

Ellen’s 360° Earlier this month, I had the honor of attending the inaugural sailing for U by Uniworld,, our new river cruise line for 21-45 year olds.

Our retrofitted River Baroness was officially renamed The B as she took to the Seine river for her first-ever cruise, filled with social media influencers, journalists, travel agents and contest winners. If there is a 21-45 year old in your life that you’d like to share your love of travel with, a U by Uniworld voyage makes for an incredible present. And as a River Heritage Club member, you’re eligible for 5% family and friends savings when you gift any 2018 U cruise by October 31, 2017.

The five-day voyage was a wonderful success, and along the way, I couldn’t help but stop and take in the magnitude of the occasion.

Aside from launching this new brand, Uniworld has always sought to be an innovator, and we’ve done so with our guests as the primary focus. With every new ship build, our design team aims to bring you an experience that is unlike any other. Onboard, our amazing staff is consistently looking for new ways to incorporate our Tiny Noticeable Touches to make your cruise even better than the last.

Pushing the envelope to bring you moments you’ll never forget has been a part of our DNA from the beginning, and I’m proud of our team for maintaining this mindset day in and day out. If you haven’t cruised with us for a while, or have yet to travel along the Seine, I invite you to join us on the stunning S.S. Joie de Vivre and see some of the inventive elements we’ve incorporated in the Uniworld experience.

As the holidays will soon be approaching, and our guests get ready to visit Europe’s best and brightest Christmas markets, I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a happy holiday season full of love and joy.

And in just a few weeks, we’re bringing back one of our most popular offers that you certainly won’t want to miss.

So much to do, so much to see and so much to look forward to.

Life is beautiful. Take full advantage.

1 UNIWORLD.COM

Ellen Bettridge PRESIDENT & CEO Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniquely

UNIWORLD The tiniest details draw the brightest smiles.

Sometimes in life, the smallest details make the biggest difference. From the moment Uniworld was born, this motto has served to govern the way we approach every single one of our voyages. Since you’ve cruised with us before, you’ve likely witnessed these Tiny Noticeable Touches, as we like to call them. Maybe our bartender went out of his way to bring your favorite liquor onboard so you could enjoy your go-to cocktail. Or perhaps our restaurant staff had your daily breakfast order already waiting for you on your second morning onboard. And aside from our crew’s attentive expertise, you may have been enamored by the fresh flowers in every room, the famous piece by your favorite artist you discovered in the lounge or the picture-perfect activity recommendation your Hotel Manager shared with you.

We love hearing similar stories about the small but meaningful moments that stick with you long after your cruise comes to an end. If you have a particular surprise and delight moment from your time spent with us, we’d be delighted to hear. Our RHC@uniworld.com inbox is always open, and we especially enjoy receiving notes on how our Tiny Noticeable Touches made your vacation a masterpiece.

THE LAUNCH U by Uniworld’s maiden voyage was a grand success.

3 UNIWORLD.COM

Our new river cruise line, U by Uniworld, aims to introduce river cruising to a new generation, with voyages for 21-45 year olds. Over the past year, the Uniworld team has been busy retrofitting the former River Baroness and transforming it into The B, one of two ships that will officially start sailing in the U by Uniworld fleet in April 2018.

Earlier this month, social media influencers, journalists, travel agents, contest winners and the ship’s Guardian Angel, philanthropist and model Petra Nemcova, stepped onboard The B in Paris for U’s inaugural voyage down the Seine. Our maiden voyage was filled with historic moments, immersive experiences, endless fun and lots of surprises!

The B’s sleek black exterior and creative modern interior design took the Seine by storm and proved to captivate everyone in her vicinity. Guests onboard for the five-day cruise were able to sample U’s farm-to-table menus, participate in rooftop yoga, celebrate the occasion at a pajama party, brunch on the top deck of a bus and craft custom cocktails during

a mixology class, all while sailing and docking just steps away from Paris, Rouen and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine.

During a top deck renaming ceremony, The B was made official, complete with a drum circle, champagne sabering and a biodegradable lantern release to symbolize the transition of the River Baroness into The B. The five-day adventure proved to be quite the commencement for this thrilling new endeavor.

U by Uniworld is now open for booking and a U cruise makes for an incredible gift for a graduation, honeymoon or other milestone event for the 21-45 year olds in your life. And when you book a voyage to gift by October 31, 2017, you’ll enjoy 5% friends and family savings.

Who do you know that would love U?

ICE BAR THE B

DINE THE B

The face of the S.S. Joie de Vivre and The B.

Q&A WITH HOTEL MANAGER, ASTRID Uniworld Hotel Manager, Astrid, never thought her job would be sailing around the world on a river cruise ship. But when she found her home at Uniworld, she knew it was exactly where she wanted to be.

5 UNIWORLD.COM

Tell me about your background and your role at Uniworld?

You’ve been working for Uniworld for a while on different

I’m a Hotel Manager on the S.S. Joie de Vivre and on The B. And I’m also a Resident Manager for our charter ships on the Mekong Navigator in Vietnam and Cambodia. I’ve been in Russia, Portugal and Spain, but mostly I do training and support for the crew and the team onboard.

Uniworld ships, but how has it been transferring over from Uniworld to U for The Launch?

Is there a particular region you enjoy the most?

It depends. Every ship is different and every river is different. They are all something special. I really like Douro River in Portugal and Spain, the itinerary and experience in Asia, and the ship I love the most is the S.S. Joie de Vivre.

As Hotel Manager, what exactly do you do?

Daily, I am responsible for the crew. On the S.S. Joie de Vivre, there are 60 crew members. I am responsible for the restaurants, bar, housekeeping, front desk. You’re there for the guests, so you’re their point of contact. I get together with the captain and talk about safety and then the Cruise Manager is responsible for the excursions. It’s a whole team. I get to be the face of the ship.

How did you get into this career?

I’ve worked a lot abroad. I’ve worked in Aruba, South Africa, and then there was one year working after my graduation in Holland, but I hated it. It was a business hotel and a big chain where you’re just a number, so I was looking for something else. I received an invitation to come in for a job interview when I was 22 for another company. I went in for the interview in Basel, where they hired me as Assistant Hotel Manager. At the start of the season, the Hotel Manager didn’t turn up. They said to me, “Well, this is your ship now.” I was 22 and had never worked on a ship and became the Hotel Manager. I was with Dutch guests on a smaller ship for 90 guests. Soon after, that company broke down. That’s when Uniworld approached me to work for them. I’ve always said I’m not going to work for a big company, but if I did go to a different company, it’s going to be Uniworld.

So you think that a river cruise is better?

With this company, you are not a number. You are a person. They know your name and they know your family. It is a family when you come onboard. It feels good. It feels comfortable. It feels like home.

What are your favorite aspects of the itineraries and ships you’ve mentioned?

Again, it depends on the itinerary. In Asia, it’s great that you really can feel like a local. You meet local people and you can go into their houses. But with the crew onboard, you have time to get to know them and their families. It sounds like a cliché, but you become family.

For someone that’s never been to Asia or on the Mekong Navigator, what would be the one thing I would have to do while I’m there?

Take a trip to Angkor Ban. Even if you’re by yourself – go and walk around.

It’s really an experience. Embrace the unknown, be open to it, be open for talking with the locals. Just go. Have dinner somewhere, explore by yourself, take a map, take the metro, go!

Can you share a memorable story from your time with Uniworld?

There’s so many! To me, the most memorable one was five years ago when I was working on the River Baroness. And the next year I would open the S.S. Catherine, my first Super Ship and my first opening. That whole experience was tiring and hard work, but the crew I met there…a lot of them are still working for Uniworld. We still have fun and reminisce about certain things from the opening. That’s still close to me.

It’s different! I’m young, I’m 29, I’m there. I love the concept. Everyone really loves it and we’re all adapting. It’s working well.

What are you most excited about for U by Uniworld’s upcoming itineraries next year?

For me, Paris. However, I’m Dutch, so Amsterdam too. I think Amsterdam is one of the first cities you have to visit. Budapest is beautiful. To be on the Danube where you have Buda and Pest on the two sides is something, as well as seeing the lights, being in front of the Parliament Building, and having great bars to visit. Just ask the crew for some recommendations.

From being on so many Uniworld ships and seeing all of their designs, what were your initial thoughts when you came on The B? The rooms were made in such an efficient way and they feel spacious.

They were my biggest concern, but I love them. I love the black exterior – everyone loves the ship from the outside. Everyone working on other ships went “whoa!” when we passed.

Is there anything else you’d like the River Heritage Club members to know or to think about before they sail with us again?

Talk with the crew because sometimes at the end you think, maybe I should’ve done this or that, but speak with them. They’re very open and maybe you’ll learn something more so you can think about different things to do. And if you do a cruise you’ve already done before, let us know so we can point you in a different direction. If you’ve been in Paris before, tell us so we can give you different options.

SPRING VOYAGES AS POPULAR AS THE SEASON ITSELF. Spring is the perfect season for exploring picture-perfect cities and their breathtaking backdrops aboard your floating boutique hotel, all while soaking up destinations boasting vibrant colors, architecture, music, cuisine and more. Make sure these beautiful cities are on your list to visit, and experience them on a river cruise with Uniworld, where we’ll immerse you in the cultures, sights and cuisines of the places you’ll visit. After all, you deserve the best.

BORDEAUX Discover the legacy of one of the world’s most acclaimed wine regions: Bordeaux. Cruise through the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde rivers on one amazing journey to a wine-lover’s paradise. Discover the unique heritage of Southwest France and its culinary superiority from Pauillac and the gateway of the Médoc wine route, to elegant Bordeaux, the “Pearl of the Aquitaine.” Here, you’ll have the chance to visit one of the area’s finest wine estates complete with a wine-pairing lunch. Bordeaux is magical.

Experience it on: Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux

BURGUNDY Venture through breathtaking Burgundy and visit the locales that inspired the works of Van Gogh, Cêzanne, Gauguin and more as you travel through the French countryside. In nearby medieval and beautiful Avignon to lively Lyon, you’ll have endless opportunities to explore vineyard-line hillsides, charming markets and villages, or scenic riverbanks. Kayak along on the tranquil Gardon River, hike up the steepest vineyards on the Rhône or cycle through Lyon, if you’re more of an active explorer. There’s so much to experience in Burgundy.

Experience it on: Burgundy & Provence 7 UNIWORLD.COM

UNIWORLD.COM 7

VENICE Venice is home to hidden treasures just waiting to be uncovered. While you’re in the romantic “City of Water,” explore art, architecture and delicious cuisine by foot or gondola, and by night, enjoy an exclusive evening opening and lighting ceremony at astounding St. Mark’s Basilica.

You’ll discover everything under the sun from Milan and Venice to Padua, Bologna, Verona, and Ferrara.

Experience it on: Gems of Northern Italy

BUDAPEST There’s a reason that Budapest and the Danube River are so delightful.

In Budapest, tour the dynamic city any way you please – by car, foot or bike in a locale that’s a splendid mix of medieval and modern. In a unique “Let’s Go” experience, cycle through the city’s lush greenery and iconic spots. With five captivating countries, you won’t miss out on Budapest and Central Europe’s most beloved must-sees and must-dos.

Experience it on: Enchanting Danube & Munich

AMSTERDAM Experience Amsterdam and the alluring Rhine and Moselle rivers’ vineyard-covered slopes and castle-lined shores. Sample the region’s unique cultures and flavors as you cruise through five illustrious countries.

Discover Amsterdam’s rich legacy in art at the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” before you stroll through the cobblestone streets or take a charming canal ride through any one of the city’s idyllic neighborhoods.

Experience it on: Legendary Rhine & Moselle

Guest SPOTLIGHT Gillian joined us onboard for the first time this past August. We recently caught up with her to talk travel, architecture and why Uniworld is in a class of its own.

Hi, Gillian. It’s nice to meet you. Where are you from?

What was your favorite part?

I’m from Leicester, United Kingdom.

Oh, it was all lovely and just an amazing experience. The architecture in Rothenburg and also Budapest was some of

What do you do for a living?

I took early retirement last year. Previously I was a family

my favorite.

support manager. I’m getting to travel a little bit and hoping

Was there anything that surprised you?

to do more. I do a lot of travel around the UK.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect while on the cruise. It sounds a little clichéd, but the whole thing surprised me.

How many cruises have you been on?

I was only on one other cruise before Uniworld, but it was a very different experience.

Each time we stopped somewhere you’d think you couldn’t possibly go anywhere more beautiful, but then you did.

LITHUANIA

Why do you like to travel?

WALES

North Sea ENGLAND

I like to see new places and different cultures. I enjoy

Rhine River

Atlantic photography. I like to visit different places and photograph Ocean

GERMANY POLAND

Cologne

English Channel

the different types of architecture, like when I was cruising

BELARUS

THE NETHERLANDS Amsterdam

Würzburg

BELGIUM

Main River

Frankfurt Kitzingen

along the Rhine.

Bamberg

CZECH REPUBLIC

LUXEMBOURG Rüdesheim Wertheim

Let’s talk about that experience. Can you tell me about your cruise on the European Jewels?

Rothenburg Regensburg

Kelheim

Engelhartszell

We sailed from Amsterdam through to Budapest. Called in a lot

AUSTRIA

SWITZERLAND

UKRAINE

Danube River

Wachau Valley

Passau

FRANCE

of places and medieval towns in Germany en route. We went to Bay of

Nuremberg Main-Danube Canal

Vienna

SLOVAKIA Budapest

Melk

MOLDOVA

Weissenkirchen

HUNGARY

Biscay

Cologne, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Rudesheim. Then we traveled to Vienna in Austria and finally BudapestSPAINin Hungary.

9 UNIWORLD.COM

ITALY

ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA SERBIA

We also had a Michelin-star meal cooked for us at

I love hearing stories from guests about these Tiny

Schloss

Noticeable Touches.

Weikersheim

Palace

with

a

concert

afterwards, and also an audience with Princess Anita

The whole trip was like that. I went up on the deck

von Hohenburg at Castle Artstetten in Austria. I had

one morning when it was quite early. Within minutes,

not expected either when I joined the cruise.

someone appeared to put the cushions on the seats

What did you think about the onboard experience?

Again, I didn’t know what to expect. The crew were fantastic. They were very courteous, amicable and

and the blankets out. The crew really seems to watch and know exactly what you need. They are very, very good. Nothing was too much trouble.

anything you needed — it was there. I drink

Did you meet other guests while onboard?

decaffeinated Coca-Cola in the evenings, and they

Yes, we made some friends and chatted quite a bit

didn’t have any initially. But the next time we

with others. There was quite a range of guests. I was

stopped, the crew went off and got it and it was

the only person from the UK on the ship. Everyone

there on the ship for me for the rest of the cruise.

was really friendly, so there was always someone to

They really go out of their way to accommodate.

chat with.

The food was amazing. It really was beautifully

We hear that often. Last question. What’s one destination that’s on the top of your bucket list?

cooked and presented. Everything was local along the route. The Cruise Manager, he knew everything, briefed us each evening and answered all of our

I’d really love to go to Antarctica. Whether I get there or not is another matter.

questions. I couldn’t fault it. I really couldn’t.

Gillian took about 4,000 photos from her cruise and kindly shared several of them with us.

Take a look around this page for some of her voyage highlights.

Do you have a story or photos to share from your Uniworld cruise?

Contact RHC@uniworld.com if you’re interested in being featured in a future Guest Spotlight.

11 UNIWORLD.COM

Introducing the

S.S. BEATRICE, our newest Super Ship.

venues will include a private space to replace the Captain’s Lounge and Library.

In 2018, the River Beatrice will be transformed into the S.S. Beatrice, joining the ranks of the S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Maria Theresa, S.S. Catherine and S.S. Joie de Vivre.

The S.S. Beatrice will debut spring 2018 with a sleek new look, including a graceful bow, redesigned lounge and elegant staircase, as she continues to cruise along breathtaking waterways on beloved European itineraries such as Delightful Danube & Prague, Highlights of Eastern Europe and European Holiday Markets.

River Beatrice’s relaunch makes her the first vessel in our fleet to be upgraded, with two new, 375-square-foot Royal S.S. Beatrice Suites, a new Owner’s Suite and upgrades to 12 existing suites. We’ll also be adding several connecting rooms ideal for families traveling together. Additional dining

Bridge Sun Deck

S.S. BEATRICE

Rhine Deck

400

402

404

406

410

408

412

414

416

418

422

420

424

426

Staterooms and suites on this deck have French balconies 24-Hour Coffee and Tea Station

Danube Deck

401

403

407

405

409

411

415

417

419

421

423

425

427

431

Bar

Main Lounge

302

300

304

306

310

308

312

314

316

318

320

322

324

328

330

332

336

334

Staterooms on this deck have French balconies

326

24-Hour Coffee and Tea Station

429

Captain’s Club

Reception/ Concierge

301

303

305

307

311

309

315

317

321

319

323

325

327

329

331

333

337

335

Restaurant

Staterooms 300/302 and 301/303 available as connecting staterooms

Royal Suite

Owner’s Suite

Suite

Category 1

208

206

204

202

200

209

207

205

203

201

Moselle Deck

Category 2

Serenity Guest River Laundry Spa Fitness Center

Category 3

Category 4

Category 5

Lift

FROMof Bea THETollman KITCHEN 13 UNIWORLD.COM

POT ROAST BRISKET AND CHICKEN Warm up during the fall and winter months with a cozy meal perfect for sharing. This Tollman holiday favorite has been passed down (and enjoyed) for generations. Now, Bea’s decided to pass it on to you.

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

1 large piece of fresh brisket

Season the brisket well, then heat a little vegetable oil over high heat in a large heavy saucepan. Place the brisket in the pan and brown it very well, all over. Add and cook the shallots, carrots, garlic and celery until also browned (cook separately if necessary), then add the bay leaves.

whole chicken (about 1.5 kg) vegetable oil 3 shallots, halved 3 medium carrots, chopped 2 cloves garlic 1 stalk celery, chopped 3 bay leaves 1 liter beef or chicken stock salt and pepper to taste

Meanwhile, heat the oven to 130°C. Cover the brisket with stock, transfer to the oven, and cook for 3–4 hours until the meat is very tender. From time to time, scrape around the side of the pan to make sure all the dark parts become part of the gravy that is accumulating. If you think you need a few more carrots and onions or shallots, add them too. Keep adding stock to ensure the meat doesn’t dry out. The meat takes a long time: Turn it over or leave as necessary so it browns on all sides. Turn the oven up to 180°C toward the end if the meat needs to get a little browner.

If it gets too dark, cover with a lid or some foil.

If your pot is large enough, you can add a chicken for the last hour and a half – and potatoes if you wish, but remember that these will absorb a lot of the beautiful gravy you’ll need when you serve.

Uniworld’s River Heritage Club A N E X C L U S I V E C L U B F O R U N I W O R L D L OYA L G U E S T S

Once you’ve cruised with Uniworld, you automatically become an esteemed member of our River Heritage Club, and are eligible for an array of member-only savings and onboard benefits that we offer in sincere gratitude for your loyalty. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as a returning friend on your next Uniworld river cruise!

RIVER HERITAGE CLUB REWARDS INCLUDE:

SAVE 5%

• Join the Captain for a members-only cocktail party onboard

&

• Complimentary onboard laundry service weekly on ships in Europe and Russia and once per cruise on ships in India, Vietnam and Cambodia • Complimentary in-room fruit platter waiting for you upon arrival • Exclusive e-magazine • Milestone gifts to celebrate guests who have joined us for multiple cruises

on any Uniworld cruise or cruise/tour around the globe*

Note: Benefits may not apply on cruises to China, Vietnam & Cambodia, India and Egypt.

But even more value comes to those who plan ahead.

It’s never too early to begin thinking about your next adventure, and if you do, you’ll enjoy added savings. When you book your next voyage while onboard, you’ll save an additional 5% (on top of your River Heritage Club 5% reward) for a 10% total discount. The only question now is “Where to?” The world awaits.†

WHERE IN THE WORLD….???

This castle is beautifully perched along one of Europe’s most famous waterways. The UNESCO World Heritage site was first built in the early 12th century and after many years of housing powerful families, it is now an extensive museum. If you can name the structure, send us an email at RHC@uniworld.com. The first to answer correctly will be featured in our next issue of RiverViews.

LAST MONTH’S VICTOR Congrats to Randy Lyon for being the first to correctly identify the Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge located in Germany as last issue’s mystery destination.

“We loved our trip on the S.S. Antoinette – a beautiful stop and a great itinerary along the Rhine! We’re headed to Budapest for a Danube cruise later this year.” – Randy Can we join?

You deserve the best

TM

Visit uniworld.com/river-heritage-club for more information.

* River Heritage Club savings and amenities are available to guests after completing their first Uniworld cruise. 5% savings are based on the cruise or cruise/tour-only price (including any upgrades and single supplement) after other cash discounts are applied. Savings are combinable with all current Uniworld promotions. Restrictions may apply. For complete details, general information, and terms and conditions applicable to all Uniworld trips, please visit uniworld.com. † 10% discount represents 5% onboard booking savings + 5% River Heritage Club discount. This offer is combinable with all other promotions and savings programs. Onboard savings are calculated on the cruise-tour price (including any upgrades and single supplements), after all applicable flat rate discounts are applied. Bookings must be created and full deposit processed while onboard to qualify for 5% onboard savings. Other restrictions apply. See Uniworld.com for complete terms and conditions.